Oh Boy!

Today we had our ultrasound--our newest little boy is growing and doing well!

Ringside

This morning, my shower time began as it usually does; finding small tasks to keep the boys busy for the 10 minutes Mommy needs for herself each day. And, it ended the way it usually does with Mommy feeling like she only had 37 seconds to herself during her coveted "relaxation time".

As I stepped into the shower, Jozef came in asking for a snack. I replied that he was welcome to a snack and could he please shut the bathroom door.

Seconds later, Marcel came through the door (that was supposed to be shut) carting with him various treasures from the (left open) snack cabinet. As he peeks his head in the curtain, Jozef rushes in (crying) that he can't open the raisins. I explain that he simply needs to wait until I'm finished in the shower and I would be happy to open the raisins. Marcel is threatening to toss in his "snacks" to take a shower with me.

Quickly I decide to call in reinforcements, "Kolbe! Kolbe! Can you please come here?" Kolbe was shut up in his room playing very quietly with his Lincoln Logs. I could tell he didn't appreciate being beckoned out of his room, but he came, obligingly. After persuading him to take the snacks from Marcel and bring them back into the kitchen, I thought maybe I'd have a few moments left to enjoy my shower. However, Jozef came back in (crying harder) that Kolbe was mean for not letting him play with the Lincoln Logs as well.

In between the "action" of the boys and my lathering I smiled to myself as I thought of home life as a 3-ring circus. Constantly I need to be aware of what's going on in each "ring" and navigate each one. Then, I smiled as I thought the entire scene would be funny for something like Candid Camera. All except the me-being-in-the-shower part. =)

Then, I thought that I am on Candid Camera--kind of--with God behind the camera lens. He's watching how I navigate my day and all the chaos that comes with it. As I work with the boys during the day, am I showing them loving respect at the same time as consistent discipline?

If there's one major part of me that's changed since having children, it's realizing that for non-essential items, it's okay to lower my expectations. Every room of my house doesn't have to be ready for house-guests. It's okay if the kitchen floor is "crunchy" most of the day. =) And, there are only rare occasions that are total mommy-relaxation time. The rest of the day, I need to steal away minutes here and there.

As I patiently explained to Jozef that it was indeed okay that Kolbe wanted some time alone to play with his Lincoln Logs, I realized that this morning was a bit of a success. I observed all 3-rings of the circus, tried to lovingly correct where I needed to, and even called in help when I needed it. All while being aware of the work and joy that is my family life.

Marcel's Hobbies

Each of the boys has their own favorite activities around the house. Jozef loves to collect small trinkets and carry them with him all over the house...for days. Kolbe looks at all "play" as "work". Instead of play clothes or going outside to play, he has work clothes and leaves to go to work.

Marcel's hobbies are the kind that really involve other members of the family whether we want to play or not.

Hobby #1

Carrying a bag/box of crackers through the house to enjoy a

snack wherever the family may be:

This usually results in a trail we can all follow,

in case we're wondering where he is hiding.

Hobby #2
Emptying Mom's/Dad's wallets. While it may be entertaining to rifle through the plastic, keys and receipts, Mommy wasn't laughing when she couldn't find her driver's liscense for a week.

Hobby #3
Climbing. Each day Marcel finds new ways to get to
the destination(s) of his choice. Trouble is, his brothers can't hide from him anywhere. And, Mommy needs to pay very close attention...

While we all have to

pick up after,

clean up after,

chase

and correct

this little toddler,

he still melts our hearts.

Raiche Whereabouts

One of the greatest advantages to living in Nebraska (as compared to Northern Michigan) is that summer comes about 4 weeks earlier. At this point, we're not complaining. =)

Kolbe is an official member of our small-town tee-ball league. And, Nate volunteered to help coach! He's a Blue Jay. The opposing team wore white, so Kolbe asked after the game if they were the called the "White Jay's". Um. No, son.

The trio kicks off Mom and Dad's paint project in our bedroom. As you can imagine, I only took one picture, quickly set down the camera, and began patrolling to ensure primer was on the walls only. =)

A Brief Timeout

I apologize for my recent writer's block. Life has been so busy lately that something had to give.

Most days were filled with the normal schedule of a stay-at-home-mom, but we've also been taking on a few additional projects here with our house. Nate's 6-day per week schedule hasn't let up, so that's been hard as well.

And, honestly, some days it was hard to think of something light to post here without simply recalling the difficulties of having a busy household of little ones. =)

Now, on with the show...